Council marks Naval Affiliation at Special Ceremony

A new Naval alliance for Middlesbrough has been formally marked at a Town Hall ceremony.

The special event on Wednesday (November 7) saw the town confirm its affiliation with RFA Wave Knight, agreed by Council last month.

Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd presented a certificate to members of the ship’s crew in the Civic Suite.

Formal proceedings were followed by a reception in the Old Fire Station at the Town Hall attended by Councillors and ex-services members of staff.

RFA Wave Knight belongs to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, a civilian-crewed branch of the Royal Navy tasked with providing fuel, food, fresh water, ammunition and other supplies to Royal Navy vessels around the world.

The 31,500-tonne fast fleet tanker of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary was launched in 2000 and accepted into service in 2003.

She is crewed by 72 Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel with provision for a further 26 Royal Navy personnel for helicopter and weapons systems operations.

Wave Knight is able to operate in support of amphibious forces, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare operations and protection of vital sea areas and shipping.

Middlesbrough Mayor David Budd said: “Middlesbrough has a proud history of association with Royal Navy ships, so I’m delighted to formally mark our new affiliation with RFA Wave Knight.

“A warm Middlesbrough welcome will always be extended to her crew, and we will follow her exploits with considerable interest.”

He said: “I hope this affiliation with Middlesbrough Council will lead to a strong and lasting bond between the Wave Knight and the town over the coming years.

“The captain is very keen to bring the ship in Middlesbrough as soon as we can.

“There are a lot of people from the North East working for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, and it’s important for them to feel a real association between their ship and their local towns and cities and especially a place steeped in maritime heritage like Middlesbrough.”